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2017 Pinot Noir

Our Pinot Noir blocks are located along Redwood Creek, west of the town of Napa. The elevation is between 200 and 220 feet above sea level. The soil is thin loam on a solid rock base. The climate is moderated by morning fog, and the surrounding hills protect these blocks from the afternoon maritime breeze. Pinot Noir on the Hendry Ranch, which lies at the southern end of the Napa Valley, is planted in the lower elevations, on the sunny side of Redwood Creek, ensuring complete ripening of the fruit at a slow and even pace.

Clones and rootstocks: Block 3, Dijon 115 clone, Riparia gloire rootstock; Block 4, FPS 96, 97 and 108 clones, St. George roots; Block 25, Dijon 115 clone, 101-14 rootstock; Block 30, Joseph Swan field selection, and 3309 rootstock. The vines were planted between 1998 and 2005, and are all cordon-trained and spur-pruned. The average production in our Pinot Noir blocks is approximately 2 tons per acre.

In 2017, budbreak in the Pinot Noir Blocks occurred from March 15-22nd. Bloom was completed by May 20th, and veraison, July 22nd. Harvest was between September 2nd- 4th. The average yield was 1.09 tons per acre. Alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week using indigenous yeasts. At dryness, the wine was pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging was 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.

Ruby-garnet, translucent. Initial aromas are savory, cherry and baking spice. A few minutes in the glass reveals perfumed rose, honey and butterscotch. Low to moderate tannins, moderate acid. On the palate, the wine also benefits from a few minutes of air, with tangy cherry, cranberry, cola, leather and spice flavors, balanced acid, flavor and tannin.